DC-Area Gardening Resources and Upcoming Events

Here in Metro DC, we have a long growing season. Potatoes can go into the ground in mid-March and can be harvested late into fall. In early November, my children and I pulled up sweet potatoes, carrots and beets. There was chard, kale, beets and lettuce in the garden, and a handful of peas. Dinner that night and breakfast the following morning included just-picked parsley and chives. My son kept saying, “I just can’t believe what a great sweet potato harvest that was!”

For now, with this mild weather, lots of greens are still doing well uncovered. However, it will get a little harder to grow without cold frames or a green house, but it’s easy to stay busy this winter learning and planting. Check out these gardening and eco-themed activities and resources throughout the year to support super-local eating!

Upcoming events:

On Monday, December 7, there will be the fourth APS School Garden Meetup, this time at Abingdon Elementary, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Arlington Public Schools has begun a series of School Garden Meetups the first Monday of most months from for sharing, networking and touring spaces. Details at http://bit.ly/1NoTGYv

On Monday, January 11, 2016, the APS School Garden Meetup is going indoors to focus on energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy. Included will be an overview of the brand new Arlington Schools Green Action Awards. RSVP for the January 11 Meetup, 4:00-5:00 p.m. at Langston Brown Community Center, at goo.gl/5JDVYG

On Monday, January 25, 2016, St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria will put its annual Students for Sustainability Conference. with Dr. Mamie Parker as keynote.

On February 27, 2016 is the return of the Rooting DC forum. This free event includes a large exhibit hall and many workshops and instructional sessions throughout the day. Rooting DC is hosted by DC Greens. The event is collaboratively designed with representatives from Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, City Blossoms, Common Good City Farm, FRESHFARM Markets, Love & Carrots, and Three Part Harmony Farm. $10 donation suggested.

The fourth Grow Your Health Gardening, Local Food & Wellness Festival will be Saturday, March 5 at the newly-renovated Fairfax High School.

The DC Environnmental Film Festival returns March 15-26.

The NoVA Outside School Environmental Action Showcase (SEAS) will return to GMU on Wednesday, April 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Check out our recap from last year and this wonderful FCPS video about the Showcase with kids sharing what they learned about energy, sustainability, and the environment!

There are lots of gardening consulting companies to help you get started gardening or to take your gardening to the next level. Local companies include:

Also consider the Juice Plus Tower Garden as an option for growing.

Other winter-friendly and family-friendly ideas for eco-awareness

Order seed catalogs and plan your garden. Great way to use math!
Talk about how animals find food in winter, as described in this Rooting DC post about DC’s Lafayette Elementary School
Visit a nature center
Connect with local farmers and offer organizational help
Connect with local organizations like
- Arlington Food Assistance Center to learn about gleaning and other volunteer opportunities, like Plot Against Hunger
- Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture about its mobile market and educational programs
Tour a local farm, like Sally Fallon Morell’s P.A. Bowen Farmstead

For more support with gardening and all things outdoors, check out:

And for gardening in schools through the DC area and especially in Virginia, see this FAQ document put together for the APS Growing Green Schools event that took place in April 2015. It includes links to several local agencies and organizations that deal with school gardening all around the DC area.